Physical therapy can be beneficial for individuals in all walks of life – from injured athletes to seniors who want to maintain their mobility and independence. But how does a person know if physical therapy could be the right solution for them? In today’s blog, we take a closer look at four indications that could suggest you could benefit from physical therapy.
If you can say yes to any of the following categories, you may want to consider setting up an appointment with a physical therapist.
1. Sharp, Worsening Pain
Low grade soreness or muscle stiffness aren’t always signs that you should connect with a physical therapist, but sharp pain should be managed differently. Intense or worsening pain is oftentimes a sign of a functional problem that needs to be actively treated to prevent continual pain or degeneration. Pain tends to become less intense the further we get from the moment of injury, but if it gets worse, or you find that you’re often ending your day in a lot of pain, it might be time to connect with a physical therapist.
2. Surgery Is In The Cards
If you have a surgery scheduled, there’s a good chance you’ll be referred to a physical therapist after your surgery is complete. Even minimally invasive operations are significant traumas on the body, and you’re going to need help improving your physical function, mobility and flexibility in the surgically addressed area. You may also want to connect with a PT prior to your operation, because they can help strengthen the area before surgery, which will only help the area heal afterwards. Prehab before surgery and rehab after surgery are two common ways we can help patients, so if you have a surgery on the docket, consider syncing up with a physical therapist.
3. Repeated Injuries
If you are continually suffering the same type of injury, it may be an indication that there’s an underlying physical issue that needs to be addressed. For example, if you’re falling more frequently, it could be a sign of a gait or balance problem that can be rectified with physical therapy. If you seem to be rolling your ankle more frequently during athletic activities, you may be dealing with ankle instability caused by damaged lateral ankle ligaments. These ligaments can be strengthened with physical therapy to help reduce your risk of future ankle sprains or more severe foot injuries. If you are suffering the same type of injury again and again, see if a PT can help break you out of the cycle.
4. You’re Not Doing What You Love Doing
Finally, if pain, discomfort or impaired physical function are preventing you from doing the things you once loved, it’s a clear sign that you should seek out professional assistance. You shouldn’t have to say no to your favorite activities because of back pain or a knee problem, and oftentimes a solution is closer than you may believe. Simple lifestyle changes put in place by a skilled physical therapist can get you back to doing all the things you love in no time, so don’t wait any longer.
